If you didn't know, BSA is back, and the company plans to release its brand-new Gold Star 650 model in the US "sometime in 2023," after the bike first debuts in Europe.
The revived Gold Star pays tribute to one of the most famous BSAs ever made with a 652 cc, single-cylinder engine, however it won't be as performance-focused as its namesake was. Instead, the new model is marketed as a fully contemporary, reasonably priced motorcycle that appeals to a new generation of BSA riders.
Since it has been 50 years since the final Beeza came off the production line, let's take a quick look at some of the fundamental specifications before moving on to BSA's history.
The evolution of BSA
In 1861, The Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited (BSA) began producing firearms. Birmingham at the time was the hub of English gun manufacturing, which drew the best industrial expertise and innovations. Due to BSA's success, it was able to expand into the production of other goods, such as bicycles, and in 1910 a motorized bicycle was unveiled.
BSA prospered in the early part of the 20th century, helped along by significant production contracts for the war effort. With well-liked motorcycles like the Gold Star, the Super Rocket, and the Bantam, the brand established a solid reputation. In the 1950s, BSA held the title of biggest motorcycle manufacturer for a while. The A65-series 650 cc twins and the Rocket III triple were followed by several well-known types.
By the early 1970s, the BSA empire was in decline due to the competition from other brands and persistent poor management, among other problems. The once-dominant marque had completely left the market by 1973.
An ancient brand gets a fresh start
Mahindra, an Indian automaker, purchased the remnants of BSA in 2016 to use for its Classic Legends line of vintage motorcycles. Actually, BSA is the third iconic brand in Classic Legends' portfolio—the company recently gave both Jawa and Yezdi new life. The Jawas and Yezdis do not share the Gold Star's chassis or engine because it was an altogether different project.
Ashish Singh Joshi, Director of BSA, said "For us, the new BSA Gold Star is not only a motorcycle, but an emotion, and we pursued the quest of bringing BSA back with the utmost love." Joshi has held executive positions at Triumph and Royal Enfield in the past.
A 652 cc, liquid-cooled standard, the Gold Star 650 is advertised to provide 45 horsepower and 41 foot-pounds of torque. It boasts a five-speed transmission, dual overhead cams, and a 469-pound wet weight, according to the manufacturer. These numbers, together with the Gold Star's conventional suspension system, place it on par with Kawasaki's W800 and Royal Enfield's 650 twins.
The big ol' Gold Star tank insignia, chrome tank panels, classic lines, and BSA "three gun" trademarks on various covers are just a few examples of the new BSA's many nods to the past. Insignia Red, Dawn Silver, Midnight Black, and Highland Green are the available colors.
The total package is not difficult to look at, and as a rival to Royal Enfield's products, it may not be too difficult on the wallet too. In the UK, a base Interceptor 650 costs £6,039, while a Gold Star costs £6,800 to launch. When it is released, the BSA Gold Star should have an MSRP of about $7,000 because Interceptors in the US start at $6,199. There is currently no information available on BSA dealers in the United States because Classic Legends needs to expand its dealer network. Perhaps Mahindra can expand its current relationships with powersports dealerships to include BSA bikes.
Once these motorcycles come, older riders who remember BSA's heyday won't find the same fire-breathing Gold Stars they remember. The new models appear to be kinder and far more approachable, favoring style over pure performance. Common Tread will monitor BSA's upcoming improvements, and we anticipate hearing about some riding experiences in 2023.
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